Mary Koles

Mary Koles went peacefully to be with her Lord on Thursday, February 17, 2011. She was born on September 19, 1921, one of twelve children Joseph Lamonte and Francis Misuraca Lamonte were blessed with. She grew up on Wardline Road, which is now University Drive and married James Koles in 1942. The couple lived in the Hungarian settlement, farming strawberries and peppers. She was employed at the Valmy Garment Company and loved to sew, cook, bake and spend time with her family and friends. During her many years of work at Teens and Queens store in Hammond, many who grew to love her knew her as ?Aunt Mary?. Mary was affectionately referred to as ?The Rock?, by the Lamonte family, due to her deep religious convictions, steadfastness and never ending ability to comfort, understand and love others. She was not only a mother, but also a true friend to her daughter, Linda. Throughout her life and especially through her final days, Mary was surrounded by her loved ones and experienced God?s healing love through them as she prepared for her journey home. She leaves behind her daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Hilton Hoover and three brothers, Guy Lamonte, Joe Lamonte Jr., and Tony Lamonte and wife Lena. Many beloved nieces and nephews also survive her. She was an ?adopted? grandmother to many throughout her lifetime, especially Tray, Sarah, and Lane Drude; Christopher, Kim and Bryce Ivanyisky; Katie and Kent Martin; Matthew Ivanyisky and Amanda Stinson. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, James Koles; parents, Joseph and Francis Lamonte; brothers, Felix, Chuck, and Sam Lamonte; sisters, Carmella Muscarella, Sandy Graziano, Chetta Monistere, Dorothy Mangiaracina, and Anna Fugarino. The family wishes to express special thanks to Mary?s caregivers, especially Sue Dennis, whose unfaltering care and compassion assisted Linda in easing Mary?s life during her physical trials; Diane White, for not only arranging sitters when the need arose, but for giving her time and care; North Oaks Medical Center?s nurses and medical staff, especially Dr. Larroque, Dr. Cook and Dr. Caulfield, and North Oaks Cardiology Clinic?s physicians for outstanding medical care and for much needed compassion during Mary?s illness. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Margaret Catholic Church in Albany on Monday, February 21, 2011 at 10:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. The family requests that visiting hours also be observed at Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home on Sunday, February 20, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Father Joseph Arogyasami, assisted by Deacon Wallace Gainey, will celebrate the Mass and interment will follow in St. Margaret Catholic Church Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Margaret Catholic Church: P.O. Box 100, Albany, LA 70711 or The American Heart Association: 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231. Condolences and other information are available online at www.thompsoncares.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home of Hammond.

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Mary Koles

September 19, 1921 - February 17, 2011